Aging represents a physiological and per se non-pathological and multifactorial process involving a set of key genes and mechanisms being triggered by different endogenous and exogenous factors. Since aging is a major risk factor in connection with a variety of human disorders, it is increasingly becoming a central topic in biochemical and medical research. The plethora of theories on aging – some of which have been discussed for decades – are neither isolated nor contradictory but instead can be connected in a network of pathways and processes at the cellular and molecular levels. This book summarizes the most prominent and important approaches, focusing on telomeres, DNA damage and oxidative stress as well as on the possible role of nutrition, the interplay between genes and environment (epigenetics) and intracellular protein homeostasis and introduces some genes that have actually extended life spans in animal models. Linking these different determinants of aging with disease, this volume aims to reveal their multiple interdependencies. We see that there is no single “perfect” theory of aging and that instead it is possible to define what the authors call the molecular aging matrix of the cell. A better knowledge of its key mechanisms and the mutual connections between its components will lead to a better understanding of age-associated disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The aging process in the skin is complex and influenced by more intrinsic and extrinsic factors than any other body organ. The effects of these two types of factors overlap for the most part. The combined effects of these two aging processes also affect dermal matrix alterations. The main clinical signs of skin aging include wrinkling and irregular pigmentation, which are influenced by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic (e.g., UV radiation, heat, smoking, and pollutants) factors. Histologically, collagen decreases, and the dermis is replaced by abnormal elastic fibers as a cause of wrinkle formation through the loss of skin elasticity. There have been numerous studies of skin aging performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to develop various antiaging therapeutics and preventive strategies. We summarized the molecular mechanisms and treatments of skin aging. Mainly UV radiation induces ROS formation and DNA damage, leading to increased production of MMPs and decreased production of collagen in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which reflect the central aspects of skin aging. Besides UV radiation exposure, extrinsic factors including tobacco smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, infrared radiation, and heat contribute to premature skin aging. Like UV radiation, these factors cause ROS formation and increase expression of MMPs, thus accelerating skin aging by inducing extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Accumulated collagen fibrils inhibit the new collagen synthesis and account for the further degradation of the ECM through this positive feedback loop. Accumulating evidence for molecular mechanisms of skin aging should provide clinicians with an expanding spectrum of therapeutic targets in the treatment of skin aging.

Aging is an inevitable consequence of life for nearly all organisms. It mostly reflects the outcome of complicated interactions between genetic factors along with the accumulation of a variety of deleterious stochastic changes over time. Thus, aging is an adaptive process, not caused by a single factor or process, but it is rather a multifactorial procedure modulated by the interplay among genetic and environmental factors. In the coming years, human aging will be one of the biggest challenges faced by industrialized countries as the average life expectancy is continuously increasing. This volume gathers together contributions from the top scientists and covers the whole range of modern research on aging. More specifically, the following topics are included: replicative senescence, telomeres and telomerase, cancer and aging, DNA repair, free radicals and oxidative stress, proteolysis and proteins maintenance, Immunity, neurodegeneration, model organisms, intervention as well as evolutional and epidemiological aspects. Overall, increasing our understanding of the aging process at the molecular level and applying available interventions will help to protect and preserve healthy aging. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http://www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member

This Volume of the Series is devoted to aging at the organismic level. Different levels of organisation, ranging from single cell organisms (yeast) to humans are included. In addition to the currently most important model systems like yeast, filamentous fungi, Caenorabditis elegans, flies and mice, other systems like sponges and plants are discussed. Most importantly, research using different aging models can be expected to unravel the most important basic mechanisms of aging that are conserved in all species. In addition, a critical discussion of what can be expected from this kind of strategy for the understanding of aging in humans is included. This book serves as excellent reading for graduate students, scientists in Medical Research, Medical doctors, researchers in pharmacological fields, researchers, biologists, and experts of this area.

The ageing process, especially in the skin, is governed by changes in the epidermal, dermal-epidermal and dermal compartments. Extracelluar matrix (ECM) proteins, which are the major component of dermis, constitute an important target for intrinsic and extrinsic ageing related alterations. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of skin ageing including the effects of strenuous exercise on the ageing skin; extracellular matrix proteins during skin ageing; improved cell metabolism and strengthening of the extracellular matrix by nicotinamide and copper for anti-skin ageing; skin morphology of Caucasian women during ageing; molecular understanding of the development of age spots; and skin rejuvenation and ablative laser therapy.

Time, Cells, and Aging, 2nd Edition presents the mechanics of cell function and the relevant implications of the molecular-genetic view to the aging phenomena. This book explores the biology of the aging process. Comprised of 11 chapters, this edition starts with an overview of the causes and mechanisms underlying the gradual deterioration of structure and function characteristics of aging. This text then examines the two aspects of the behavior of man, including the reasoned conscious behavior and the greater dependence on reaction patterns predicted on the successful responses of the past. Other chapters explore the relationship between aging and mortality rate in animals, which is a result of an organism's deceasing ability to function optimally in carrying out his vital functions. The final chapter deals with the implementation of a research plan relevant to understanding the primary mechanisms of the aging process. This book is a valuable resource for gerontologists, biologists, and molecular biologists.